Prabowo’s overseas visits spark debate in Indonesia over benefits for citizens

AI Summary

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s multiple visits to France have aimed to enhance defence modernization and strengthen ties with Europe. However, his foreign trips have sparked domestic debate on whether these international engagements yield tangible benefits for ordinary Indonesian citizens.

Indonesia’s deepening ties with France have given President Prabowo Subianto a chance to advance Jakarta’s defence modernisation, strengthen relations with Europe and expand its international footprint. But analysts say the Paris visit has also fuelled a debate at home on whether deals and diplomatic goodwill arising from Prabowo’s frequent foreign trips can translate into benefits for ordinary Indonesians. Prabowo, who has visited France four times as president, met his French counterpart...